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THE SKIRT WITH VOLUME

THE DEBORAH DRESS
Voluminous skirts have come and gone through history but one thing is certain--brides who love them do so with a passion.  Full skirts with yards of crinoline underneath also make a real dramatic statement about being elegant and girly at the same time.  Here are a few photos from my Dioresque Collection that I unearthed recently.  You just can't imagine how totally fun these were to create and put together . . . ..
THE ODETTE DRESS
THE AURORA DRESS
THE ISOBELLA DRESS
 THE MIRA DRESS
THE GEORGETTE DRESS

Dresses and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum

PORTRAITS IN CHANTILLY

You can always recognize Chantilly lace by its delicate background and intricate detail. Named after the town in France where its still made, the patterns originating in the 18th century are to this day, still time-honored and manufactured.  My favorite of all laces, Chantilly is fragile and romantic.  It can be used as an allover lace or touches of it here and there on bodices, skirts and sleeves.  Chantilly has always been synonymous with the finest in bridal wear from dresses to veils and accessories . . .
The perfect customizing for a simple gown, this three-tiered lace jabot has matching ruffle gauntlets all tied together with polka-dot grosgrain ribbons and  a cameo

A Chantilly lace bordered mantilla worn with a bouffant tulle dress with lace bodice . . .
 Crepe and Chantilly lace are the perfect duo here for a gown reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood

This bodice is appliqued in Chantilly lace with shirred tulle overlaid
The kick pleat in the back of this silk dupioni gown is a gathered inset of Chantilly lace

 This repro tea gown harks back to the Art Nouveau period. Chantilly lace covers the bodice and borders an asymmetrical tulle skirt

This is a perfect  Boho piece in a mix of  Chantilly laces, chiffon and brocade gold  belt
True vintage.  Another tea gown in a mix of Chantilly laces

ART DECO MEETS CITY MODERN

 There's an interesting story behind this editorial that begs the question: How long could it take to find the right spot to shoot 1930s style gowns? Can you believe 4 years?  That's right, when you want to find a backdrop reflecting all the best of the Art Deco era, it can take awhile.  Kudos to photographer, Jim Vetter who scouted out the perfect canvas for this project at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco.  This is a place I'll sum up in one word---elegant!  Says Jim, "As a photographer, my vision for this shoot was to reflect the reawakened interest in early 20th-Century stylings and set it against the metropolitan backdrop of modern San Francisco.  The Mandarin Oriental was the perfect location; the décor is reminiscent of the Art Deco era while still feeling very current. I've shot Amy-Jo's gowns in the past and just love their classic sophistication. These designs compliment the elegant photographic style, I wanted to bring into this project . . . . "
 For me, creating pieces like these was inspired by Hollywood's golden era when women were finally free of corsets, girdles even bras.  The body-hugging bias-cut that once upon a time was a radical concept, has
become classic.  Each and every fabric and lace in this collection was hand-selected for brides
who want a to add some drama while showing off a fit and toned body on their wedding
day. . . . 

 CREDITS
Makeup and Hair: Moderne Beauty
                         Styling and Jewelry: Mary Compagno of Nordstrom mary.j.compagno@nordstrom.com
Flowers: Floral Ornaments
Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, San Francisco
Menswear: Selix San Francisco
Models: Ginger Larsen, Rob Williams and Katie Siu




 




 







GETTING THE BALLERINA LOOK

Just how much does the world of ballet influence bridal? A lot. Traditional ballet costume evolved in the era of the Johann Strass', a young Queen Victoria, and Giselle, an 1840s ballet by Aldophe Adam. Think classic corps de ballet in long white tulle and a floral wreath and you've nailed it. Also reflecting the silhouette of the ballet costume as we know it, Queen Victoria clinched the look when she married Prince Albert wearing yards of white lace and dressing her flock of attendants the same.
The hourglass silhouette is most synonymous with ballet and remains one of the pinnacles of bridal wear. The ball gown is as romantic a confection as those seen in the corps de ballet, flowing in swirls of white tulle. The skirt and its under structure are both based on volume. Thus, sweeping skirts equal sweeping entrances especially awesome on brides who know how to work their strut.
Though tulle is the most typical fabric for the ballet-inspired gown there's a whole range of gossamer sheers like organza, silk organza, chiffon, and Georgettes that work beautifully. Defined, tulle is a fine mesh netting with a hexagonal pattern that comes in silk, cotton, nylon or acrylic/silk for power netting.
 
Gown and wreath by Amy-Jo Tatum//Photos by Scott Williams Photography

BOHO

If Dior's 'New Look of 1947' was a reinvention of elements from the Antebellum period, it seems Boho is 'Summer of Love' reborn. Defined, Boho is a fashion look borrowing from the peasant, early bohemian and hippie looks of the sixties. Boho can be earthy and ethereal all at once, with gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy. 
So what does Boho have in common with bridal? Just take a look at the pictures directly above. Boho is an over-the-top romantic look and if weddings are anything they are just that. If you're into celebrating with a lot of green--both real and the eco-conscious kind, really think about this look if you haven't already incorporated some part of it into your wedding style.








CREDITS
All gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photos 1,2 and 3:  Sweet Light Studios
Photo 4:  John Truong Photography
Photos 5 and 6: Sweet Light Studios
Photos 7 and 8:  Photos by Ron Greystar of Greystar Pictures
Photo 9: Sweet Light Studios
Photo 10: Photo by Bride Chic

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